Sustainability is a hot topic in today's world. In fact, many experts have now dubbed Gen Z the "Sustainability Generation." Up to three-quarters of those in the current generation highlight sustainability as the most important factor in their purchasing decisions. What's more, their choices are influencing other generations to become more sustainability-minded.
Public sentiment is shifting. That trend includes attitudes about how meetings and events are run. Sustainable events reduce waste while also saving the company money and resources. In turn, this enhances corporate ESG and social responsibility initiatives.
Green events can even help to build a positive brand image and workplace culture. Here's how you can start incorporating more eco-friendly ideas into your company's event planning.
Why sustainable events matter
Events often lead to high energy consumption and produce a great deal of waste. This includes everything from food packaging and signage to lighting and HVAC usage, which can all contribute to environmental pollution. It also impacts your event's carbon footprint, increasing the need for landfills and fossil fuels.
Harm to the environment drives the growing demand for sustainable corporate event planning practices. In fact, studies show that corporations are responsible for over 70% of today's greenhouse gas emissions.
These effects trickle all the way down the supply chain. Many business leaders now realize the impact their choices have made on the environment, and stakeholders are calling for change.
Whether hosting a virtual or in-person event, it's crucial to keep sustainability in mind. Fortunately, you can easily learn how to set up sustainable event practices without sacrificing fun and engagement along the way.
13 innovative sustainable event ideas
Here are several great ideas for "green" practices to improve your events:
1. Switch to virtual team building
Virtual team-building can be a low-carbon alternative to in-person events. For example, you can find some of the most engaging team-building experiences around at Confetti.
These virtual events offer a convenient way to bond without making your team travel to get together.
2. Opt for digital invites and event materials
Leave the paper behind. Instead, go digital with everything from invitations to conference guides to meeting notes.
You can build interactive PDFs or webpages to keep event attendees updated and engaged during the event.
3. Offset carbon footprints through green initiatives
If you have a heart to save the environment, it's likely you're working with a like-minded team. Luckily, you don't have to go out and plant trees yourself to contribute to sustainability. Instead, you can partner with organizations that are already doing the work.
How to get started 👉 Confetti's Plant a Tree donation opportunity allows your team to buy the seeds while our partner organizations handle the work.
4. Promote local and sustainable vendors for gifts and prizes
Sustainability efforts should extend to all levels of the supply chain. One way to do that is to buy from local vendors and those who value sustainability the same way you do. This is a great way to offer gifts and prizes during your event while promoting sustainable brands and businesses.
5. Give out sustainable swag (digital gifts)
If you really want to reduce waste and emissions, you can take your gifts and prizes digital, too. Virtual and e-gift cards can help you get the job done, as can virtual experiences. This can be anything from a subscription service to a fun, invitation-only escape quest.
6. Teach sustainability with workshops
Do you want your team to carry the commitment to sustainability beyond the workday? Consider showing them how to care for the planet with virtual sustainability workshops.
How to get started 👉 Confetti has several themed options, including Zero Waste 101 and a plant-based cooking class.
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7. Host virtual eco challenges
What better way to encourage your team to contribute to sustainability than to turn it into a competition? See who can do the most good for the earth with eco-friendly challenges like “Plastic-Free Week” or “Plant a Tree Challenge.”
8. Choose sustainable venues
From HVAC to lighting, events can contribute to significant levels of energy consumption. To reduce energy waste, event planners should opt for a LEED-certified or energy-efficient event venue.
9. Offer green transportation options
In your event promotions, encourage attendees and participants to carpool, cycle, or use ridesharing to the event. You can even partner with rideshare companies to offer discounts. For hybrid events, encourage those far away to attend virtually.
10. Serve sustainable meals and treats
Food waste is a massive contributor to meeting and event emissions. To reduce this impact, event planners can offer plant-based meals made from locally sourced ingredients. Partner with food vendors who use minimal packaging to further reduce waste.
11. Use digital tools to reduce waste
Resist the urge to give conference attendees yet another printed item they have to keep track of. You can reduce paper waste by launching an event app. This way, participants can stay up to date with everything that's going on right from their mobile phones.
12. Create a waste reduction plan
Make it easy for event attendees to contribute to sustainable efforts at your events. One way to do this is to set up recycling and compost stations near food vendors. Additionally, see what you can do to limit single-use plastics at the event.
13. Put up reusable decorations and supplies
Consider using digital signage where possible to avoid investing in more single-use materials. Additionally, event planners can select decor options that can be repurposed. This is an alternative to throwing them away after the event.
Tips for effective sustainable event planning
Planning sustainable virtual and hybrid events can be challenging in today's world. Here are a few tips to help you make it happen:
- Don't Wait: Make sustainability a goal during the planning process
- Partner Well With Others: Stick with vendors who also value sustainability
- Educate Your Teams: Equip and encourage attendees to adopt sustainable lifestyle habits
- Communicate Wins: Inspire participants by showcasing what you achieved
These tips will not only help you create more sustainable future events and meetings but also help you continue the work even after it ends.
How virtual events naturally support sustainability
Virtual events can help businesses keep the fun going without negative impacts on the environment. Research from the University of Michigan suggests that virtual events can reduce carbon footprints by up to 99.9%, depending on the size of the event. This is because virtual events naturally support sustainability goals by reducing waste from travel, HVAC use, lighting, food, and extra materials.
The world has become much more comfortable with virtual communication in recent years. Platforms like Confetti have made hosting virtual meetings and events a breeze.
Whether you're looking to celebrate a holiday, build team spirit, or promote learning and development, Confetti takes the hassle out of planning and setting up virtual events for your team. We've got options for exciting eco-friendly activities like an aromatherapy and oils class or a composting lesson for your team.
Contribute to a more sustainable world with your next event
Sustainable event planning saves you money. It also helps you meet your corporate responsibility goals, positively impact the planet, and build an excellent brand image. Use these actionable ideas to reduce your carbon footprint when planning your next event.
If you're ready to start building a more sustainable world through engaging event design, explore eco-friendly virtual team-building options today with Confetti.
FAQs
What is sustainable event planning?
Sustainable event planning means you organize events that lower environmental impact.
How can virtual events contribute to sustainability?
With virtual events, you can promote sustainability by reducing emissions that come from travel, HVAC and lighting, food, and extraneous materials.
What are some easy ways to reduce waste during events?
You can reduce waste during events by going virtual, using sustainable vendors and venues, and including green goals in your planning process.
